Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part V

[spaceman_E]

We should make a deal with Dallas for there 13 pick would anyone take a risk on shabazz muhammad at 13? If were not able to draft porter that is.

I would do that in a second if the price is right. Muhammad will be a player in this league. No chance he's a bust, just not the right value at #3, he'd be a flat out steal at #13, and I don't expect him to last that long.

It depends on what you mean by a bust. If you mean a guy who won't score, he won't be a bust. If you mean a guy who won't help his team win, he will likely be a bust.

Is Nate Robinson a bust? Is Jamal Crawford? Is Jason Terry? Scorers can help teams when put in the appropriate role. A bench scorer who is 9x the player Jordan Crawford is, is very much a need for these Wiz.

[Upper Decker]

No, athletic like this:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajwa8j79vd0[/youtube]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

Len has grown on me throughout the prospect evaluation process. At this point if Cleveland takes Porter #1, and Noel goes #2 to Orlando, I'd have no problem taking Len at #3, however, I can see why most everyone would ridicule the pick. Wall has the PG ability to turn Len into a star. Len seems to me as a more fluid / skilled / athletic version of Hibbert.

[spaceman_E]

No, athletic like this:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajwa8j79vd0[/youtube]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

What about while also adding 30+ lbs of muscle, doubling his point production in just 5 more mpg, and adding 10% points of FTs?

[verbal8]

I think Len looks far better once you get to 5th or 6th than at 3. I could see the argument that Len has the most potential. However there seem to be two concerns, first is will he develop enough to utilize his potential, the second is the health issue.

[hands11]

A walk down memory lane. Wow, Prince is actually 15 pounds heavier then Porter. Thats a little scarey.

I think Prince was a better jumper and has better handles. Porter seems to be a better rebounder.

Webster was one of the best 3 ball shooters in the league last year with pure form and a quick release.

You thinking Porter will be able to do that ? I already know Webster can. Bird in the hand.

As for the Prince comparison that Otto made himself, does he have the handles, one on one moves, quickness and leaping ability of a Prince ?

And this is from an early Otto fan. Just checking. I think he will be good for the right team but part of that has to do with Otto the person. I think he can help lead a faceless franchise. But if he is best value and most tradable, you might pick him anyway and trade.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_8z9Zizek[/youtube]

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Porter, the poor man's Evan Turner. We see where that got Philadelphia. And Evans accomplished way more than Porter. Looks like we have mini Grunfelds on the board.

I like to blow my own horn too much for the times I am right. I will admit at least when I am wrong. I absolutely loved Evan Turner as a potential Wizards draft pick. I wanted to trade Wall's rights for Turner and Cousins or Favors , if possible. I would have taken Turner and a first. I was wrong.

Turner, as Dat first opened my eyes to see, is totally ball dominant. He's not athletic enough to score easily and he is not a pure enough shooter to be effective shooting threes.

WD, Porter is not a ball-dominant player. He is not a "power guard" like Turner. Porter is like Tayshaun Prince, and a guy who is a system player at both ends.

Turner and Porter both lack explosive quickness. Neither will create a lot of offense by himself. I think Porter is going to benefit by being a role player if the Wizards are lucky enough to pick him. Like Turner, Porter will be a good defender right away. That and hitting open looks are all the Wizards require of Porter.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Between 1 and 2, Price is the only change. The offense stayed about the same but they took a good hit on D swopping Price for Wall. Wall has defensive impact. Not surprised.

#3 From 1 to 3, Beal is the only change. Remove Beal and both offense and defense take a huge hit.

#4, no Nene, Wall or Webster... all hell breaks loose.

Of all teams in the league and all 5 players line ups regardless of minutes, that Wizards (1) team ranked 10th best in NetRtg

Other teams on that list with 5 players line ups in similar minutes from the top down to 10th
MIA, BOS, LAL, POR, MIA, MEM, NYK, OKC, BOS

Teams after 10th
LAC, MIA, IND, LAL, CHI, MIA, OKC, BRK, MIA, MEM

Notice MIA, LAL, MEM, OKC all have several listing. They are deeper.

I expect Beal to come back in year 2 even better. Added handles. He will be a top 2 guard next year. Wall I expect to pick up where he left off and if he does, he is a top PG. I expect Nene to be a lot healthier and when he is, he one of the better PF in the league.

That #1 line up is nothing to sneeze at and its only going to get better next year. Web is the perfect compliment at SF and Okafor is a solid defensive center double double machine.

What the Wizards most need is Beal and Nene protection. A cheaper Trevor A would be nice. So would a better Price. And they to start planning for Okafor not starting, but Okafor is only 30. They don't really need to replace him right now.

If you go by this data and draft projection slotting VO is probably your pick. Maybe Len if you want to take a shot at a center of the future.

If you trade back, CJM, Zeller, Kelly O, Adams. If you go CJM/VO, I hope they get a Mascala or Jackie Carmichael

I wanta add Withey in the list of center. I like his ability to block shots without fouling and rebound. He is 2nd only to Noel in major teams. But like Noel, he gets pushed around and has no offense. And he has less upside, less athletic and he will be 24. I see some Tiago Splitter how. Withey will get stronger, no doubt.

Otto would be nice, but Webster has already shown he is an effect SF in a model that works for offense and defense. And next years draft has more SF. Plus the Wiz have more cap room. They can trade Trevor A and or Ves as expiring if they really want to move them. Resign Okafor.

I am now sort of thinking it may be better if Otto is selected first or second. Washington keeps continuity with a selection of CJM, Len, or KO. Also, trade down scenarios can add players to beat current Wizards subs Price, Temple, Seraphin, and Booker.

Porter probably won't approach the effectiveness of Webster/Ariza at SF as a rookie. I don't like the idea of a 197 lb. stretch 4. I am second guessing Porter, a guy I've called a good fit and a no -brainer.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

Len has grown on me throughout the prospect evaluation process. At this point if Cleveland takes Porter #1, and Noel goes #2 to Orlando, I'd have no problem taking Len at #3, however, I can see why most everyone would ridicule the pick. Wall has the PG ability to turn Len into a star. Len seems to me as a more fluid / skilled / athletic version of Hibbert.

Alex surely can dunk a lot and develop a face up game running with Wall. The questions are with Len's feet and with his toughness in the paint at both ends. Also, Len doesn't have a great motor. Many times Len plays as if he's on cruise control or in a sightseeing mode.

Wall will help Alex Len but not with some areas where he could use better effort. WD is IMO right to say to some extent Len is weak in the same ways Javale McGee is. He gets pushed around a lot inslide.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

What about while also adding 30+ lbs of muscle, doubling his point production in just 5 more mpg, and adding 10% points of FTs?

The added weight might not be such a good thing if Len has already experienced a stress reaction in one of his feet.

[Dat2U]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

Len has grown on me throughout the prospect evaluation process. At this point if Cleveland takes Porter #1, and Noel goes #2 to Orlando, I'd have no problem taking Len at #3, however, I can see why most everyone would ridicule the pick. Wall has the PG ability to turn Len into a star. Len seems to me as a more fluid / skilled / athletic version of Hibbert.

The legitimate question is those Len have the work ethic and determination of a Roy Hibbert? If he does, then by all means he's a good choice.

Personally, drafting Len 3rd is WAY TOO HIGH for my comfort level. I like Len as a prospect, would have been okay with him at #8 or #9, but I feel completely uncomfortable with him being a top 3 selection. Specifically because he's a developmental type and secondly because he's coming off foot surgery. You can pretty much assume you'll be getting nothing from Len next year. While it's fine that he's got good upside as a long term project, as a top 3 pick, I need a bit more assurance that we've gotten a quality player.

[Ruzious]

I would do that in a second if the price is right. Muhammad will be a player in this league. No chance he's a bust, just not the right value at #3, he'd be a flat out steal at #13, and I don't expect him to last that long.

It depends on what you mean by a bust. If you mean a guy who won't score, he won't be a bust. If you mean a guy who won't help his team win, he will likely be a bust.

Is Nate Robinson a bust? Is Jamal Crawford? Is Jason Terry? Scorers can help teams when put in the appropriate role. A bench scorer who is 9x the player Jordan Crawford is, is very much a need for these Wiz.

When Nate Robinson is your prime example, you have a very bad case.

[Ruzious]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

Len has grown on me throughout the prospect evaluation process. At this point if Cleveland takes Porter #1, and Noel goes #2 to Orlando, I'd have no problem taking Len at #3, however, I can see why most everyone would ridicule the pick. Wall has the PG ability to turn Len into a star. Len seems to me as a more fluid / skilled / athletic version of Hibbert.

If you're getting that opinion from watching the highlight video, I think maybe we should ban highlight videos here.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

It's strange that DX hasn't updated their scouting report on Alex Len since September 2012.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Alex-Len-6156/

They have terrific scouting videos on almost every other lottery-projected player. If not that they at least scouted the player during this past 2012-2013 season. They certainly updated Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, and Trey Burke from their previous seasons. Why not Oleksiy/Alex Len?

Here's an even older Len scouting report on nbadraft.net:

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/alex-len

Here is a really nice, very recent (as of 5/22/13), profile of Len's strengths and weaknesses:

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/16 ... ft-profile

Len has become one of the most difficult players to project in this year's less-than-stellar draft class. While the physical gifts and basketball skills are in place for him to be a perennial All-Star, Len often lacks the necessary aggression to take over a game.

The question on every general manager's mind is simple—is he worth the risk?

I question whether Len has the strength, physically and mentally to battle guys like Noah, Chandler, Horford, Hibbert, and Lopez on equal terms nightly. It will take Alex Len a long while if he ever does become an all star type player.

[Zonkerbl]

No, athletic like this:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajwa8j79vd0[/youtube]

Those are some phenomenal highlights. I really like what I've seen of him- though I'll admit that I have caught only his good games (UK, Duke at home, and UNC in the ACC tournament).

His interview on DX.com is amazing too- to paraphrase Randy Wittman, just try going to the Ukraine and see if YOU can pick up Ukrainian as quick as he's mastered English.

I know he's got high bust potential, but if I were Ernie, and there wasn't anything too dire in the medical reports on the ankle, I would be seriously tempted to roll the dice on Len and see what he could do with a real point guard like John Wall.

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

How old was he when he came over? It's pretty easy to pick up languages when you're a teenager. I learned Spanish in a year when I was 16, it was pretty easy. Then when I started studying Russian at 19 it was like pulling teeth.

[stevemcqueen1]

I like Len more than most -- talked about him a lot in the couple weeks running up to the lotto, and mentioned the language thing. While I think it's great, I've re-thought it just a bit. It's impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean he's an amazingly hard worker who can;t fail as a prospect. He may just have a proclivity for language and immersed himself in the culture. It's a nice tidbit, but not a reason to draft a guy (or not).

Len has grown on me throughout the prospect evaluation process. At this point if Cleveland takes Porter #1, and Noel goes #2 to Orlando, I'd have no problem taking Len at #3, however, I can see why most everyone would ridicule the pick. Wall has the PG ability to turn Len into a star. Len seems to me as a more fluid / skilled / athletic version of Hibbert.

The legitimate question is those Len have the work ethic and determination of a Roy Hibbert? If he does, then by all means he's a good choice.

Personally, drafting Len 3rd is WAY TOO HIGH for my comfort level. I like Len as a prospect, would have been okay with him at #8 or #9, but I feel completely uncomfortable with him being a top 3 selection. Specifically because he's a developmental type and secondly because he's coming off foot surgery. You can pretty much assume you'll be getting nothing from Len next year. While it's fine that he's got good upside as a long term project, as a top 3 pick, I need a bit more assurance that we've gotten a quality player.

Agreed. If Len is the target, trade down for him. Taking him at 3 when there are at least 7 or 8 players as good or better than him in the class is a recipe for disaster.

I would just take Zeller at 3 before trading down for Len if I was going big man.

[Dark Faze]

Len - Decent chance of becoming Hibbert good but won't effective games in a positive fashion between 5-6 seasons and that's if he can avoid additional injuries.

Do you take that length of development with the risk of injuries at #3? I'd say no personally. People need to remember that Hibbert was drafted 17th overall, where it's much easier to work on a project with the salary he gets.

You have to look at down the road too. 4 million a year while he's developing and you're going to have a serious decision to make when its time to extend his contract. Due to his potential a team is going to offer him 10 million plus so you'd have to make a decision on him despite him not showing a breakout until a year or so after most likely.

I think its a hard pill to swallow.

But again, like I said I do think he's got a great chance of becoming Hibbert, but again--development time is going to be extensive and the injury concerns are there.

[stevemcqueen1]

I question whether Len has the strength, physically and mentally to battle guys like Noah, Chandler, Horford, Hibbert, and Lopez on equal terms nightly. It will take Alex Len a long while if he ever does become an all star type player.

Yeah you have to be a bad ass to thrive at C. All of those guys are a lot older than Len though. And being as it takes forever for a true big man to become who he is going to be in the NBA (5 or 6 years a lot of the time), Len won't really be competing with that generation of players when he's developed and in his prime. He'll be competing against the guys who are under 24 right now, Kanter, Favors, Cousins, Monroe, Drummond, Zeller, Davis, Noel, etc.

Len does seem a little soft but, to his credit, he handled Noel, Cauley-Stein, and Plumlee. He's got a lot of questions as a raw prospect who didn't have great college production. But the two biggest for me are the foot injury and the toughness. If those things check out in the evaluation process, then I'd feel a lot better about taking him high.

I still don't think he's as good as Zeller though. And with the way Zeller has blown away the physical and athletic testing, I don't think Len's abstract upside is meaningfully different from Zeller's.

[WizarDynasty]

Wizard's need to come away from this draft with a young rim protector with above average strength lower leg strength to guard the post and capable of 20 and 10 nightly and with no major injury concerns.
Can we pretend real gms help TEd figure out a play to cash in this last chip we will have for another 10 years and get this player? or at least come close to getting him? That's the challenge.

[Zonkerbl]

How good was Cherokee Parks? He was a talented guy who was just too laid back to be successful. That's maybe how Len would end up.

[Dark Faze]

Wizard's need to come away from this draft with a young rim protector with above average strength lower leg strength to guard the post and capable of 20 and 10 nightly and with no major injury concerns.
Can we pretend real gms help TEd figure out a play to cash in this last chip we will have for another 10 years and get this player? or at least come close to getting him? That's the challenge.

No, the Wizards need to get a player they can rely on to be net positive for the next 10 years.

Reaching for a position of need would be dumb. I do think we have assets between our picks and some of our bench guys to get another 1st rounder, but actually selecting an Adams/Len/Withey/Dieng with our #3 would be idiotic.